Simple Ways To Build Trust

The most valuable asset you can have is trust. It allows for flow and openness. When there is no trust, it becomes harder to get anything done. Think of one of your relationships where there is a lot of trust. Now think of another one with very little trust.

Which one do you prefer?

We can all be better off with more trust in our lives and I’m going to show you a “few” things you can do to build that trust.

How to Build Trust

1. Be honest – if you tell the truth, your clients will trust you. Always be honest especially when no one is looking.

2. Respect your client – treat your clients with the same respect you would show the President of your country. Respect their time as well by never being late.

3. Sincerely care – when you truly care about others, it is hard not to trust you.

4. Ask open-ended questions – learn more about your client and be interested in their answers. Open-ended questions give your client the opportunity to tell you about themselves. Ask more questions based on the answers that you get.

5. Don’t be perfect – there is always something fishy about someone who seems to have everything going for them. Don’t waste your energy hiding your mistakes or weaknesses. This sends a message that you’re not hiding anything and that you want to build trust.

6. Don’t look at your watch – we’re all on a tight schedule but looking at your watch when someone is talking is rude. If you must be wary of the time, ask for permission to look at your watch.

7. Find the win-win – in negotiations, always look for the win-win outcome. Win-lose outcomes are one-time only events. When both parties win, you strengthen the relationship.

8. Don’t hedge your answers – be definitive when you can. When you hedge your answers, you are giving yourself an “out”. How can anyone trust you when you keep dodging responsibility. Politicians are notorious for hedging their answers. How much do you trust your politician?

9. Have your clients best interests in mind – clients know when you are looking out for them and when you are looking out for yourself. It’s hard to trust you when there is a conflict of interests.

10. Don’t show off – it puts people off and you come off like a self promoter interested in your own success and not the success of others. This breeds resentment more than trust.